The departure of Megyn Kelly may have cost NBC millions of dollars — but the split seems to be benefiting the network’s ratings.
During her run in third hour of the ‘Today Show’, Kelly struggled to hold on to viewers. Nw reports have surfaced depicting the show as nabbing a 10 percent jump in her former time slot once she was gone.
Variety reports, “In its last week on air, ‘Megyn Kelly Today’ captured 675,000 viewers between 25 and 54.” Last week, the network snagged 741,000 viewers in the 25 to 54 age group.
They also drew in over 2.63 million viewers overall — that is a 10 percent in the key demographic and a 4 percent hike in overall viewership.
In the last two weeks since Kelly’s departure, the network has not only seen a jump in viewers during the third hour, but they have also seen a huge climb in viewers during the first two hours of the show.
“‘GMA’ usually nabs the biggest morning-news audience overall, while ‘Today’ takes the lead in the measure that matters more,” according to Variety.
However, since Kelly’s ouster, the ‘Today show’ has successfully beat their rival ‘Good Morning America’ in viewership.
The sudden climb has many other networks wondering if they will be able to hold on to the high ratings.
Following the ouster of Matt Lauer, the network also saw a huge climb in ratings. But, weeks after the rating levels began to settle.
Since firing Kelly, the third hour is now hosted by a group of anchors, including, Craig Melvin, Jenna Bush Hager and Al Roker. “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie; Stephanie Gosk; and Keir Simmons have also made special appearances.
According to sources, Kelly is still in negotiation talks with NBC over her exit package since being forced to break her $69 million contract.
–The Horn editorial team